Sunday, April 5, 2009

Titanium Brake Shims

So another day at the Auto Shop at Zama. Today, decided to install the titanium brake pads that I got from the U.S. Made by a company called TiSpeed

The theory is - titanium is much worse at conducting heat than steel, so having titanium shims in between the brake pads - which get hot during braking - and the pistons means reduced heat transferred from brake rotor to pads to the rest of brake assembly and eventually to the drive boots.

As you may recall, last track day my brake use on the Fuji short course resulted in melted paint on the front calipers. There was slight fade at the end of the day too, signaling how hot the brakes got.

So, did some research - need to somehow block the heat, and provide ventilation and cooling. Already have the Nismo wind deflectors to the brakes, but I will be ordering air cooling hosing to supplement and ensure adequate cooling as well.

But first, titanium shims. Before installation - here is what the titanium shims look like:

Process to install is relatively straightforward. Remove wheels, take off clip holding brake pads in, unbolt the guide pins, squeeze down on pads to retract the pistons, remove pads, then reinsert with titanium shims. Bolt everything up, then make sure you pump the brakes before driving away... pedal went to the floor after I pulled out of the bay, luckily grabbed the parking brake to prevent from running into the wall behind me.

Fronts - before:

...and after:

Rears after.

Will report on how good the brakes are after the next track day at Fuji on May 5th. So far in daily traffic use, no real difference - maybe some more squealing, or is that the brake pads?